African Court commends Tanzania for ongoing construction of its permanent office

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) has praised the Government of Tanzania for its ongoing efforts to construct the Court’s permanent office in Arusha, a project set for completion in 2025.

The initiative underscores Tanzania’s commitment to human rights and the effective functioning of the African Court.

During a sensitization mission to Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, African Court President Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud lauded the Tanzanian government for its dedication. She highlighted that the new office, being built on a 25-hectare plot in the Laki Laki area near the United Nations Mechanism for International Tribunals, is a historic step forward. Lady Justice Aboud described the project as a reflection of Tanzania’s steadfast support for the principles of Pan-Africanism and the cause of human rights.

The construction began in 2022 with an initial budget of approximately $1.7 million. Once completed, the new facility will replace the Court’s current temporary offices at the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) buildings in Arusha.

As part of the mission, the African Court delegation, led by Lady Justice Aboud, Vice President Justice Modibo Sacko, and Justice Duncan Gaswaga, met with various key government officials. These included the Attorney General, Hamza Johari; the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson; and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dennis Lazaro Londo. They also engaged with Justice Mathew Mwaimu, chairperson of the Commission for Good Governance and Human Rights, and Boniface Anyisile Kajunjumele Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society.

A statement issued by Ms. Chipiliro Kansilanga, Head of the African Court’s Communication Unit, outlined the purpose of the visit, which was to foster dialogue and strengthen understanding of the Court’s mandate in protecting human and peoples’ rights across Africa.

Discussions during the visit focused on two main issues: the redepositing of the Declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the implementation of the Court’s decisions. The Article 34(6) Declaration enables individuals and NGOs to directly access the Court. Tanzanian authorities assured the delegation that the matter is under review and that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan will be briefed for further action.

Lady Justice Aboud underscored the critical importance of redepositing the Declaration, emphasizing that it ensures greater access to justice for individuals and communities.

On the matter of implementing the Court’s decisions, the Tanzanian government acknowledged existing concerns and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing them. Officials noted that some of the Court’s decisions have already been utilized in ongoing Criminal Justice Reform efforts within the country.

The sensitization mission also provided an opportunity to address challenges surrounding the Host Agreement, with discussions exploring practical solutions to ensure its effective implementation. Tanzanian officials expressed their dedication to continuing cooperation with the African Court, highlighting the value of open dialogue in resolving areas of concern.

The African Court was established under Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, complementing the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Since the adoption of the Protocol in 1998, 34 African Union Member States have ratified it, though only eight—Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Malawi, Niger, and Tunisia—have deposited the Article 34(6) Declaration.

Lady Justice Aboud reiterated that the success of the African Court depends on broader ratification of the Protocol and the widespread acceptance of its competence through the Article 34(6) Declaration. Achieving universal ratification, she noted, would provide the legitimacy required for the Court to effectively fulfill its mandate of safeguarding human and peoples’ rights across the continent.